What Are the Colored Squares on Toothpaste Tubes?

When it comes to our household goods, there’s a lot we don’t know. Like, what about the colorful blocks at the end of a tube of toothpaste? There’s a reason those squares exist! And no, it doesn’t have to do with ingredients.

What Do People Think the Colored Squares on Toothpaste Mean?

There’s a lot of misinformation in the age of the internet. It takes mere seconds for someone to share an idea, which is how we end up with some of these odd product myths. It’s almost impossible to believe that everything you see must be the blatant truth.

Many people believe the color blocks denote the kinds of ingredients in each tube of toothpaste.

It’s said that green marks mean only natural ingredients were used while blue means a mix of natural ingredients and medication. It’s also said that red marks mean a combination of natural ingredients and chemical ingredients while black means only chemical ingredients were used. This information isn’t true at all!

Here’s the Actual Explanation

The truth isn’t all that flashy, but it’s still interesting information to know. (You know, in case you’re ever on Jeopardy.) According to Colgate, “[The squares] actually help in the manufacturing of the toothpaste tubes by telling light sensors where the end of the tube is so that it can be cut and sealed properly.”

It’s not as exciting as a secret code, but the truth is good to know.